A week after we moved from Chicago to Michigan, my family took me and the Wolf there for my birthday.

It absolutely blows my mind that I’ve lived here for a year already! Where has the time gone!

It has been, simultaneously, the fastest and the longest year of my life.

Isn’t it funny when you look at anniversaries and milestones in your life and think about where you were at the start and think, if you only knew what the future is about to bring . . .

A little sentiment for you there – I just couldn’t believe it’s been so long already! I figured if I wrote it down, I would be forced to accept that it’s true.

Anyways, back to Yates. Being a Michigan girl through and through, when the air gets crisp and the leaves start changing the only thing I can think about is good cider mill donuts and, obviously, cider.

Yates has turned into my go to place in the fall due to their hiking trail along the river and through the forest that’s dog friendly.

You’ll know you’re getting close when the road turns country and there’s the smell of crisp apples and roasting corn in the air.

Yates has a trail that winds around the river then through the woods (I couldn’t help myself). On a crisp fall, day there really is no better place to be.

You can escape the city with a walk under the colored trees with the sun filtering down, with the sound of the rushing river below you.

The deeper you go the sounds of children laughing and excited sugar induced chatter are replaced with the crunch of leaves under your feet and birds singing in the trees.

The face of pure happiness.

Tell me, can you think of a better sight on an October weekend?

Pretty soon, the sounds of civilization begin to creep back on you and you’ll emerge from the trees into the heart of Yates where you can find anything autumnal your little heart desires.

Pumpkins, hay, stalks, roasted corn, fried donuts, cider, anything.

The line into the mill is no joke.

Donut roll your eyes and walk away though.

Pluck up your patience and get in line.

Then . . . it’s time.

Plus, cider mill calories don’t count so be sure you get a big bag of donuts and at least half a gallon of cider (each).